Boys Swimming: Jared Ekberg qualifies for state in two events

ROCKFORD - Jared Ekberg made Rockford Christian history by becoming the school's first boys swimming state qualifier at Saturday's Jefferson Sectional.

Ekberg placed first in both the 200-yard individual medley in a time of 1 minute, and 59.69 seconds and in the 100 back at 53.16, which surpassed the state qualifying cut time of 54.04.

"After swimming the 200 IM, I felt the anxiety leave me," Ekberg said. "I was not as nervous going into the back. I was in a good mood and it was easier to swim the back."

Rockford Christian coach Kurt Ekberg, who is also Jared's father, said the victories were great achievements for the boys program.

"They really are milestones for us," he said. "Each year, we've been revving up our training and with all the improvements, they have been good for our overall program. Jared has achieved more than I would have thought this season, but it's not surprising because he didn't skip anything this year. He completed every yardage and didn't miss a practice. He went after it this year and got it."

Led by junior Jacob Ainsworth, Hononegah once again got after it early and claimed the sectional team title for a second year. The Indians won with a 260 score in the 12-team meet.

Ainsworth won the 100 fly (52:00) and the 100 breaststroke at 1:01.48. He was a part of the Indians' qualifying 200 medley relay (1:41.52).

"This isn't too bad for a rebuilding year," Hononegah coach Christine Kuspa said. "We had only two returners from sectional last year in Jacob (Ainsworth) and Jack Callahan. The guys supported each other and followed what we wanted them to do. They did a great job."

Boylan, which finished second, had senior Mickey Rodriguez and junior Johnny Bravo to qualify for the state meet.

Rodriguez qualified in the 200 free (1:45.12) and the 100 (47.17) free races, exceeding the qualifying cut times in both. Bravo went 22.38 in the 50 free. Both swimmers were a part of the team's winning 400 free relay (3:18.46).

"It was an awesome day," Rodriguez said. "I never thought in the world I would see my times go down like that. It was a great day for me and for my team."

After missing the state cut last year, Byron's 200 free relay will be represented at the state meet. The Tigers' team of Josh Conley, Serigo Solis, Ryan Leaf and Jacob Heitter finished first at 1:31.73.

Auburn's Connor Bullard qualified individually in the 500 free with a first-place time of 4:47.60. He finished fourth at last year's meet.

Christian Life's Michael Klemm won the diving title for a third time with a score of 508.65.

Brenda Young: 815-987-1388; byoung@rrstar.com; @brendafyoung

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